Man’s death near popular Hokkaido tourist attraction sparks investigation

The town of Biei in Hokkaido started the 7th of February with the grim discovery of a body in a nearby river.

The river, a stone’s throw from the iconic Shirogane Blue Pond, a location that draws visitors from across the globe, has become the scene of an unsettling mystery.

This tragedy now casts a long shadow over the picturesque winter landscape, raising questions and prompting a thorough investigation.

The alarm was raised at approximately 10:45 a.m. when a passerby stumbled upon a lifeless body lying face-up beneath the Shirogane Bridge which spans the Biei River.

The individual immediately contacted the 110 emergency number, alerting authorities to their grim discovery.

Upon arrival at the scene, first responders confirmed the man’s death.

According to initial reports released by the Hokkaido Prefectural Police, the deceased is believed to be a man in his 20s or 30s and is possibly of Asian descent.

While formal identification is pending, investigators are currently examining any clues that might shed light on the man’s identity and the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.

The location of the body, so close to the world-renowned Blue Pond and the equally popular Shirahige Waterfall, adds another dimension to the investigation, with the police confirming that a remote-controlled camera shutter was found near the scene.

The Shirogane Blue Pond attracts photographers due to the otherworldly blue hue of the water which is caused by the presence of aluminum hydroxide which has been added to local water to prevent mudslides.

The nearby Shirahige Waterfall cascades down the mountainside with its white plumes resembling a “white beard” and is another major draw for tourists.

Both locations are magnets for both amateur and professional photographers, many of whom utilize remote-controlled camera equipment to capture the stunning scenery.

The presence of the shutter release near the scene raises the possibility that the man was a photographer, perhaps attempting to capture the beauty of the winter landscape when tragedy struck.

During the winter months, Biei experiences a steady influx of visitors eager to witness the snow-covered landscapes and the frozen spectacle of the Blue Pond.

Currently, the police are investigating all avenues regarding the death and exploring whether the man’s death was the result of a fall from the bridge, however, they are not ruling out the possibility of foul play.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.